Mikira designs

Mikira designs
by Dana Turner

There is never a shortage of emerging new designers in the fashion industry. Each season any number of new talent can be expected to showcase their creations on the runway. And this past year has seen plenty. One designer, though, is sure to stand out among all the rest.

Kira McCarthy is the vision behind Mikira designs. This 26 year-old Chicago native, who studied Fashion Design and Merchandising at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, is getting lots of attention these days for her clothing line that combines retro classic with contemporary casual. Her clothes also include everything from formal to sportswear looks that create a captivating classy and vibrant appeal for any fashion admirer. “This line was created for ladies who love texture and comfort with sex appeal,” says Kira.

Keeping it simple and sassy seems to be this young woman’s specialty. “My fashion influences are everyday things around me. People. Color. Nature. Textures,” says Kira. Her solid and appreciative roots are a testament to her unique design personality, one that includes working with denim and boucle wool.

Infact, most designers are quick to rattle off a list of big name designer influences. But Kira likes to keep it original. “I really don’t have a favorite designer.” Although she does admit, “I like Lawrence Steele’s designs a lot. And I love the way Issac Mizhari caters to women with his great designs and nice price points.”

Recently Kira showed off her goods at the De Colon and Company fashion show, and her clothes can be seen in trunk shows in Chicago every season. There are many big projects in the future for Mikira Designs including plans to get her own store on Ebay and creating a website where people can purchase her clothing.

Not only is Kira putting out hot designs but she’s also putting out good vibes in the community, too. She recently started a nonprofit organization called Mikira’s Closet that has the objective of helping young girls of color develop their design skills at an early age. Slowly but surely she is molding these future fashion designers, fashion models and fashion merchandisers into the fashion leaders of tomorrow. “I want to show young minority girls that they can enhance their talents now,” says Kira.

Mikira Designs by Kira McCarthy are available at the De Colon and Company store in Chicago 1840 W. 95th Street or she can be contacted at mikira4real@yahoo.com